The volume of patients means that radiologists and doctors can sometimes fail to identify critical early signs of cancer when reviewing X-rays and scans.
There are concerns over a disturbing trend in the significant increase in the number of cancer misdiagnosis claims. This issue highlights potential oversights in the early detection of cancer, with devastating consequences for patients.
Clinical negligence lawyer Chris Mason at Bates Wells and Braithwaite Solicitors in Ipswich has noted a pattern in recent cases. He’s encountered situations where initial X-rays and scans clearly indicated the presence of early cancer markers, yet these crucial signs went unnoticed or were not acted upon in a timely manner.
Tragically, in some instances, this delay meant the cancer progressed to an untreatable stage.
“In some truly concerning situations, these scans were conducted over a decade before a diagnosis was finally made. Had the cancer been identified at the time, many of these individuals could have received prompt treatment and faced a far more positive prognosis,” he said.
Improved protocols
One particularly distressing case involved a patient whose scans displayed clear cancer indicators 17 years before their condition was accurately diagnosed – too late for life-saving intervention.
“The NHS undoubtedly performs an incredible service under immense pressure,” Mason said. “However, the sheer volume of patients means that, regrettably, radiologists and doctors can sometimes fail to identify subtle yet critical early signs of cancer when reviewing X-rays and scans.”
He is advocating for improved protocols for reviewing X-rays and scans by implementing more robust and standardised procedures to ensure thorough analysis of medical imaging. Mason also believes that a greater awareness among medical professionals by enhancing education and training to increase vigilance in recognising the early indicators of cancer are necessary.
As Healthcare Today reported in mid-May, Bedford Hospital NHS Trust had to pay out £1.5 million in damages to a patient after admitting that doctors missed a tumour which was compressing and displacing nerves in an 18-year-old’s lower spine and causing a five-year delay in diagnosis. Doctors at the hospital’s radiology department failed to spot the tumour on the 18-year-old patient, despite an MRI scan showing a large mass filling the spinal canal.
